Whether you’re looking to clean out your closet or fill it with new fashion finds without spending a fortune, a thrift store can be a fantastic way to go. New York City boasts charity shops benefiting a range of causes, including disease treatment and prevention, community services, arts organizations, and more. And since many thrift stores receive regular donations from wealthy New Yorkers, these shops are often ideal for picking up gently used designer duds at a fraction of their original price. Oh, and if you’re donating, don’t forget to ask for a receipt or donation form. Come tax time, your donation is fully deductible!
New York City thrift shops whose proceeds benefit a worthy cause:
City Opera Thrift Shop
222 East 23rd Street (between Second and Third Avenues)
Purchase high-end men’s and women’s clothing, as well as books, music, furniture, artwork, and antiques, and support the creation of costumes for New York City Opera productions. The shop, which bills itself as “a unique theatrical experience unlike any other thrift shop in New York City,” has been in operation for more than 25 years.
Angel Street Thrift Shop
118 West 17th Street
Founded in 1997, this Chelsea thrift shop raises funds for New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS, as well as those coping with mental illness or substance abuse issues. The shop accepts donations of clothing, jewelry, artwork, books, furniture, and household items, and offers free pickup for those unable to make a trip to the store.
Arthritis Foundation Thrift Shop
1383 Third Avenue (between 78th and 79th Streets)
An NYC staple since the 1960s, the Arthritis Foundation Thrift Shop accepts donations of jewelry, clothing, “bric-a-brac,” and silver. The shop supports the New York Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, which offers programs and services for New Yorkers living with arthritis.
Housing Works
Locations throughout the city
Proceeds from Housing Works thrift shops, as well as their Crosby Street Bookstore Cafe, benefit homeless New Yorkers and those with HIV/AIDS. To shop, stop by any of their twelve locations or visit their website to view a selection of current merchandise. Drop-offs are accepted at all locations, and free pickup is available for furniture donations.
Vintage Thrift Shop
286 Third Avenue (between 22nd and 23rd Streets)
Vintage Thrift is a thrift shop operated by and benefiting the United Jewish Council of the East Side. Sales of donated items go to support senior centers, health care, and housing for elderly and low-income residents of the Lower East Side.
Cure Thrift Shop
111 East 12th Street (between Third and Fourth Avenues)
Tucked away in the East Village, the Cure Thrift Shop raises money for the Diabetes Research Institute. Donate or purchase gently used clothing, furniture, jewelry, books, and accessories, or pick up a gift certificate for a socially conscious friend. Can’t make it to the store? A selection of donated items are also for sale on their website.
Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Thrift Shop
1440 Third Avenue (between 81st and 82nd Streets)
The Society’s thrift shop has been selling gently used designer clothing (including vintage and children’s items) for 55+ years. Furniture, housewares, and accessories are also accepted, with proceeds benefiting patient care, research, and public education programs.
CancerCare Thrift Shop
1480 Third Avenue (between 83rd and 84th Streets)
The CancerCare Thrift Shop offers designer clothing, jewelry, and household items, with proceeds funding free, professional services for people living with cancer.
Council Thrift
246 East 84th Street (between Second and Third Avenues)
Operated by the National Council of Jewish Women, proceeds from this Upper East Side gem support food programs, scholarships, senior services, children’s literacy, and other community initiatives championed by the NCJWNY.
Goodwill
Locations throughout the city
Shop or donate at any of Goodwill’s locations in New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey. Proceeds from thrift store sales benefit youth activities, substance abuse treatment, employment and training programs, literacy initiatives, services for the disabled, community programs, and more.
Salvation Army
Locations throughout the city
The Salvation Army accepts donations of everything from clothing and household items to automobiles and appliances. Thrift store proceeds help to fund adult rehabilitation centers for those struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, and other issues. To shop or donate, visit their website to locate the store or donation center nearest you.
GrowNYC
Got clothes that are too tattered for resale, but feel bad tossing them in the trash? GrowNYC operates a textile recycling program, with donation locations at Greenmarkets throughout the city. By recycling used clothing, shoes, bedding, fabrics, and accessories, New Yorkers can help to keep textiles out of landfills and see that they’re repurposed into other materials instead.
eBay Giving Works
If you’re dead-set on supporting a charity that doesn’t operate a thrift shop, consider eBay’s Giving Works. Auction your old stuff and donate anywhere from 10% – 100% of your sale to the nonprofit of your choice, or log on to purchase from others selling in support of a cause.
Rebecca Frey is a costume designer, wardrobe stylist, and personal shopper. She has worked on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, and Conan, and is also the owner of Seek New York, a NYC-based company that provides a friendly, low-pressure approach to style and offers personalized shopping tours with licensed NYC guides. Every Tuesday, she answers your most pressing shopping-related quandaries. Need Becky’s help? Email your questions to emily@askanewyorker.com.
